Down At The Devlin Bakery

Brilliantly written, first-time Author, Ms. Goodacre, has done her homework. Down At The Devlin Bakery is full of intriguing, easy-to-visualize characters skillfully depicted by Ms. Goodacre. She ably transports the reader into small-town Middle America and brings it to life. Her well-crafted scenes are among the best I have read.

J. Moore

Ms. Goodacre’s novel, Down at the Devlin Bakery, draws you to the life of the main character, Ella Watson, and the other characters’ lives in Martinsville, Illinois. You will be hooked from the first page, and when you reach the last page, you will be disappointed that it has ended. You would not know that this is Ms. Goodacre’s first novel. Ms. Goodacre is an excellent writer, and I look forward to future stories. I loved every minute of it.

R. Narancic

Down at the Devlin Bakery, by author Deborah Goodacre, is a heartwarming, fictional novel that effortlessly draws one into the world of Ella Watson, her family, and friends. Ms. Goodacre has a matchless ability to create fully developed characters with unique and sometimes over-the-top personalities. Her depictions of the charming and picturesque town of Martinsville, Illinois, transport the reader convincingly to the center of the residents’ daily lives before computers and cell phones. Ms. Goodacre’s story is a funny and touching portrayal of Midwestern America. I highly recommend her novel; a must-read.

James J. Teeling

In Down at the Devlin Bakery, Deborah Goodacre skillfully interweaves themes of family, friendship, love, and community. The delightful story reveals how the revival of the Devlin Bakery, with Ella Watson at its helm, not only revitalizes the small town of Martinsville, Illinois but also acts as a catalyst for the development of new relationships and the unveiling of long-hidden confidences.

P. Snyder

Goodacre adeptly crafts richly developed characters, each with their own distinct narratives and surprising revelations. The bakery’s previous owner Mrs. Devlin, the enigmatic Mayor Bigby, the elusive Sarah with her incessant purchases, and Delia's profound secret all contribute to the intrigue that sustains reader engagement. The author expertly balances the warmth of small-town life with the thrill of uncovering these compelling mysteries.

S. Hanson

Ella's baked goods are more than just food: they symbolize community and serve as the catalyst for change and discovery. The camaraderie that forms around the bakery is heartwarming, reminding us of the importance of gathering places, shared experiences, and caring for one another. It's a feeling that will resonate with readers, making them feel a part of the story.

D. Evans